3 stars I liked it but that was it.

I have to start saying that I don't know the Outlander saga if not for snippets about it being set in Scotland and involving time travel and romance.
I also took a couple of days before writing this review to let things get clearer in my head because I had mixed feelings about it.

The story begins with Willa grieving her best friend Val, while trying to go on with her life as a tv producer in LA.
But Valentina had different plans for her and, with her will, books her an immersive Outlander vacation in Scotland. There Willa meets Finn, the vacation catalogue model, who's the owner of Balcragie castle...

With this premises what I expected from the book was a little grieving ad a nice funny romance comedy...
Well the expectations were not dismissed, but I have to say the grieving part was more deep and a little depressing from what I anticipated.
The first third of the book was a mix of laughter, as there are a lot of funny reference to tv shows, and melanchony, then we get to the whole Scottish experience and drama...
Though the story is nice and enjoyable the grief plus the added Scottish drama are maybe a little too much, or maybe are Willa's insecurities what let me down, I feel like it was not too insightful with the drama nor so easy going with the banther and romance... it was nice but didn't spark.
I would still recommend it to Scottish romance fan.

Thanks NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

What a fabulous read! I absolutely adored Willa - a loveable and complex heroine who is suffering from unimaginable heartbreak. And what a surprising love interest - a perfect match for Willa even if it takes both of them (lots of) time to discover that. I laughed a lot reading this book, but there is also SO MUCH HEART. I am also a huge Outlander fan, but I don't think you need to be to enjoy this 'fish out of water', 'fake date' romance. It's fresh and fun and heartwarming. An easy 5 stars from me.

Scotlander was a little chaotic... Not exactly the rom-com/fake marriage I thought it was going to be.

After Willa's best friend Val passes away, she finds out that Val arranged a fully immersive Outlander trip for Willa and Gabe, Val's estranged big brother. The two head off to Scotland, but have no clue why Val sent them there to begin with...

I found Scotlander to be a little jumpy with the switching POV sporadically. Willa switches from really open to really closed every other page - it seemed like instead of grieving she just took on yet another project; Finn is dealing with a lot of childhood trauma by way of playing castle with Willa; and Gabe essentially disappears when we get to Scotland!

All in all, a quick read with a lot of Outlander references if that is your cup of tea!

Thanks, NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my thoughts.

I tried to get into this book but just couldn’t. Willa was not a likable character, I found it confusing how it would randomly change POVs, and I didn’t find the story believable. I would have liked to see more of Gabe since he did seem likable.

This is a total joy! Gorgeous funny atmospheric rom com with a feisty, clever and practical heroine transplanted from downtown LA into the Scottish highlands. The shenanigans around saving Finn’s family castle set the scene for a wonderful slow burn (slooooow) romance between her and local farmer Finn.
There’s a lot going on in this tribute to Outlander and Finn and Willa’s romance is only a part of the whole story. The Scottish dialogue and farming detail feels authentic. I adored all the supporting characters - especially Valentina and Orla. This closed door romance is beyond charming and I thoroughly recommend!

The cover and title of this book drew me in as soon as I saw it, and when I read the blurb, I HAD to read it!

Glamorous LA celeb interviewer, Willa, is packed off to Scotland for an Outlander-themed break as requested in her best friend's will, who has just sadly died from cancer and left a massive hole in Willa's heart. Oh, and her best friend's hot brother has to go with her too. Hell yes, gimme gimme gimme!

I absolutely devoured this. It was pretty fast-paced, the concept was original and heartfelt, the dialogue felt very natural, clever use of words, and the writing flowed really well.

I think this would work so well as a film, especially the last third of the book, I could see it so clearly in my mind! This book really deserves to be a smash hit.

So glad I picked this one up on Netgalley, thanks to them and the publisher for the chance to read this in return for an honest review.

I really struggled to get into this book. The main character, Willa, was mean and judgmental and the caricature of the young publicist was down-right cringy. The opening chapter made me put the book down three or four times before I finally bit the bullet.

The book was... fine. Nothing special for me, especially given its slow start. I think if we'd been given some shifts away from Willa, into Gabe or more of Finn, I might have enjoyed it more.

Overall, it's a fine read but nothing to write home about.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

As a legit Outlander superfan who has been to fan convention, met Diana Gabaldon, hosts a weekly Outlander book club online, and has been on an Outlander tour of Scotland, I'm definitely the right reader for this book!

It shouldn't be a surprise that I loved it. But though Outlander may have been the hook, the plot went well beyond that story.

Finding oneself unfulfilled when achieving a long term goal, being scared to change life directions, mourning the loss of someone gone too soon, feeling comfortable in one's own skin and identity, being accepted by family and community... all identifiable struggles written nicely.

I'll be sharing this with my audiences; thanks for the ARC!

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and I don't get paid for reviews - everything written here is my own opinion.

This awesome romantic comedy is funny, sweet and tackles all sorts of heavy stuff in a really empathetic way. First of all we meet Willa, who is grieving the loss of her very best friend in the world to the big C. Valentina, her deceased best friend always wanted Willa to watch the TV series Outlander with her, but she always declined and feels a little guilty about this. So when the reading of Valentina's will sees Willa booked on a trip to Scotland for the true 'Outlander' experience she feels she has to go. So she leaves her stressful job as an entertainment producer to take the trip and honour her friend's wishes.

But when she arrives all is not what it seems and Willa has to dig deep to figure out who she is and what she really wants out of life. I don't want to spoil anything because this book is totally not formulaic and there are unexpected moments that the reader should find out themselves. But this is such a fun read with plenty of amazing characters.

I think I watched the first two seasons of Outlander so I knew a bit about what the Scottish experience was supposed to be like but I don't think it's imperative that you know the series.

Side note: loving the recipes at the end and can't wait to try them.

This book is uplifting, even though it has some poignant moments and I fell in love with the characters. I believe the book is somewhat autobiographical so the details are realistic and you really feel like you are there. It's been a long time since I have read something so enjoyable - I rarely give out 5 stars but this one deserves it!

When Willa’s best friend Valentina dies from cancer, Willa finds out at the will reading that Valentina had a few more surprises for Willa. Starting with meeting Valentina’s hot hot hot long lost brother Gabriel… and a surprise Outlander immersive experience in Scotland with Gabriel! Too bad she’s never watched Outlander, Valentina’s favourite show… When they arrive in Scotland with a few clumsy moments she quickly gets to know the other deliciously gorgeous Finlay who is Scottish and one of the people running the immersive experience. What starts as a which one will Willa pick, turns into a slow burn romance and decisions about what Willa really wants in life… Remaining in Hollywood as an interviewer to the stars? Or gazing at the stars in Scotland on a farm…

Ooft! I McLoved this! A gorgeous slow burn story, with a gorgeous McLatinx man, a gorgeous McScotsman, working on a Scottish farm? Dreamy! If you’re seeking a soft gentle romance this book has it all! Definitely a new favourite that hit me in all the feels!

Easy 4 1/2 stars!!

I liked this! The characters were fun and compelling, and I enjoyed the premise. I’ve seen some other reviewers criticize that the main character was a little too mean and harsh in the first half, but I disagree; it was part of her character development arc, and it was refreshing to see a lead actually exhibit a personality that wasn’t likable all the time. I’d read more books by this author.

Scotlander was a sweet, mild romance about two adults who are lost after the death of their best friend and sister. Her parting gift to them is an all-expenses-paid Outlander experience...in Scotland. Hilarity and romance ensues. I thought this book was really fun and a nice change from what I've been reading lately.

A really fun sweet rom-com. A great take on Scottish culture and the leading man is very swoon-worthy! Would definitely recommend this to friends!

Willa and Gabe are sent on a trip because of a friend and sister that died of cancer. Sent to Scotland to enjoy an experience sort of like Outlander series, they don't know what to expect. Ends up being a working farm but rustic to reflect the old times. Both find love and both have a great time. Fun read and one I highly enjoyed and would recommend. I have seen a few episodes of Outlander, but while I liked it fine I would not consider myself a big fan. Still enjoyed this book.

After her best friend died from cancer she recieve a letter from a lawyer who tell her that her friend has booked her a two week Outlander-themed experience at Balcraigie Castle, Scotland . With her is going her besties big brother who has 20 years to see his sister . Together they travel from LA to Scotland to fulfill her last wishes . Then she meets the sexy Scotish man who is the owner of the castle .
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Scotlander by Sheila McClure

Willa and Gabe are sent to the Highlands due to the last wishes of Gabe’s sister and Willa’s now deceased BFF to live the authentic ‘Outlander’ experience. They both travel on a journey neither would have chosen. Just how will this journey end for all the fantastic variety of characters involved in this ‘escape’ from the normal life to Jacobean Scotland with the fabulous ‘grumpy’ but sexy Fin the kilted Scot who meets them on arrival.

A fabulous well written book with fabulous description of the countryside you just pictured yourself in the Scottish highlands.

A real feel good book that you just don’t know what the next twist will provide; humour , sadness , anguish and soul searching all thrown in for good measure.

A real page turner and read in one sitting. Very well done Sheila!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Below are my honest thoughts on this book.

I ended up loving this book. I’m a big Outlander fan (of the books and the show), and there were just enough Jamie and Claire references to get me hyped for the new season coming.

This was such a feel good story in my opinion. I cheered Willa on her journey of self discovery, and empathized with her feelings of not truly belonging in her family. I laughed, I cried (don’t we all know someone affected by cancer), and the writing style kept me turning pages long after my bedtime. The ending was so romantic and wholesome, it just left me feeling happy when I turned the final page. This is definitely a book that’s going in my re read pile.

A really enjoyable read it is filled with characters that jump off the page and written so wonderfully, you won't want to put it down

This book is perfect! I am enchanted by this. But I love any book set in Scotland but this one was so good. I will definitely be reading more f rom Sheila McClure. I just can't stop singing its praise.
I just reviewed Scotlander by Sheila McClure. #Scotlander #NetGalley
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